Special Education: Visual Impairments (M. Ed.)

"Not only did Trevecca prepare me to be the best educator that I can be, but the School of Education pushed me to grow in my walk with Christ."

kassandra robinson

The Vision Institute at Trevecca offers candidates the opportunity to add a Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) endorsement to their current teaching certificate. This rigorous 13-month Master’s program begins each July with a new cohort. Candidates who complete the program are equipped to work with special needs children with all disabilities. Trevecca and the Tennessee School for the Blind in Nashville are in partnership to bring theory and practice together. Knowledgeable and experienced professors provide students with hands-on practical skills that culminate in graduates who are prepared practitioners.

Tennessee Endorsement Code: Special Education Vision PreK-12 (462)

Completion of this program will enable graduates to:

Be knowledgeable about special education law;

Know fundamentals of visual impairments;

Read and write Braille;

Expand cultural competencies;

Implement interdisciplinary and differentiated teaching strategies;

Understand anatomy of the eye and issues of visual learning;

Use expanded core curriculum;

Conduct assessments for visual impairments; and

Work effectively with students with visual impairments.

Scholarships for tuition and fees, funded through a grant from the Tennessee Department of Education, are available for a limited number of participants. If a student is accepted for the scholarship, that student must fulfill the Tennessee Student Service Agreement.

If a student is not accepted for the scholarship, or would prefer to not be required to fulfill the service agreement, a student may be accepted into the program at the regular tuition rates and fees. Individuals who are not awarded the scholarship might check the TEACH grant for funding possibilities.

Contact us today to learn more about our Vision Institute. Email us at bdsimmons@trevecca.edu, call us at 615.248.1390, or fill out an application using the "Apply Here" link.

General Resources

Core Classes

Special Education and Visual Impairments

VIS 6010

Provides fundamentals of physical, cognitive, perceptual, and psychological development of individuals with varying exceptionalities with a focus on individuals with visual impairments and multiple exceptionalities. Includes a focus on research-based theories, relevant laws and policies, diverse and historical points of view, and issues in special education.

Course Hours:
3

Diversity in Classrooms and Schools

EDU 6075

Provides an overview of the diverse educational needs, challenges, opportunities, and rewards that teachers encounter as they seek to effectively meet the needs of learners in diverse classrooms and schools. Candidates will examine diversity research on topics such as socioeconomics, exceptionalities, race and ethnicity, linguistics, learning styles, and genders. A focus will be on the at-risk student and equipping students with tools to make choices. Candidates will be equipped with tools and instructional strategies to effectively create learning opportunities and a positive classroom environment that fosters student achievement.

Course Hours:
2

Advanced Braille

VIS 6030

Provides advanced skills in reading and writing Braille using a Braille writer and slate and stylus as well as methodology for teaching Braille reading and writing. Includes a focus on teaching and using Braille within content areas.

Course Hours:
3

Interdisciplinary Teaching

EDU 6080

Examines strategies to effectively support interdisciplinary instruction and assessment to address the complex challenges of providing quality instruction to a class of diverse learners. Candidates will explore interdisciplinary curriculum and learn effective strategies integrating all content areas for enhanced instruction. The focus will be on individuals with visual impairments both in a specialized classroom and in a full inclusion environment.

Course Hours:
3

Field Experience I

VIS 6040

Provides a supervised experience working with individuals who are visually impaired, PreK-age 21. Candidates will complete a total of 30 hours to include classroom experience in mathematics, reading, and Braille classes at Tennessee School for the Blind; 6 hours with an Itinerant teacher; and an overnight experience at Tennessee School for the Blind. Completed concurrently with EDU 6080. Grade of S/U.

Differentiated Teaching

EDU 6085

Examines strategies to effectively support differentiated instruction and assessment to address the complex challenges of providing quality instruction to a class of diverse learners. Focuses on providing students with multiple options for learning, applying information, and expressing what they learn. Candidates will explore the research on differentiated instruction and learn effective strategies for managing flexible groups, providing students with a variety of options to maximize learning, and planning strategically for classroom management issues. The focus will be on individuals with visual impairments both in a specialized classroom and in a full inclusion environment.

Course Hours:
3

Field Experience II

VIS 6055

Provides a supervised experience working with individuals who are visually impaired, PreK- age 21. Candidates will complete a total of 30 hours to include classroom experience in science, social studies/history, and Braille classes at Tennessee School for the Blind; 6 hours with an Itinerant teacher; and an overnight experience at Tennessee School for the Blind. Completed concurrently with EDU 6085. Grade of S/U.

Expanded Core Curriculum

VIS 6060

Provides an understanding that students with visual impairments require a curriculum beyond content standards to meet independent and functional living goals. Candidates will gain understanding and practical experience with orientation, mobility, and specialized supports. Instruction will include increasing self-awareness, self-management, self-control, self-reliance, and self-advocacy of students with visual impairments and multiple exceptionalities in the home, community, and school. In addition, a focus will include awareness, acceptance, and appreciation for students with visual impairments and multiple exceptionalities in the home, community, and school.

Course Hours:
3

Nemeth Code

VIS 6065

Focuses on Nemeth Code to study mathematics and other content areas that include mathematics such as science, geography, and others.

Course Hours:
3

Assessment for Visual Impairments

VIS 6070

Examines and explores the unique educational needs of individuals with visual impairments with a focus on individuals with multiple exceptionalities. Candidates will explore and use various techniques for assessment individuals in a full array of educational and community settings. Included is the planning of an education program for students with visual impairments.

Course Hours:
3

Exit Assessment

VIS 6090

Presentation of portfolio.

Braille Reading and Writing

VIS 6015

Provides fundamentals in reading and writing Braille and using a Braille writer. Methodologies in teaching, reading, and writing Braille will be a focus. Includes a component of teaching Braille within the content areas. There will be a focus on developing strategies for teaching pre-Braille tactile readiness and higher level techniques of Braille reading and writing.

Course Hours:
3

Braille Basics

VIS 6025

Provides an introduction to Braille and using a Braille writer. Candidates will gain basic knowledge of Braille, basic methods of using a Braille writer, and gain beginning concepts to reading and writing Braille.

More Questions?

Financial Aid and Costs

Scholarships for tuition and fees, funded through a grant from the Tennessee Department of Education, are available for a limited number of participants. If a student is accepted for the scholarship, that student must fulfill the Tennessee Student Service Agreement.

If a student is not accepted for the scholarship, or would prefer to not be required to fulfill the service agreement, a student may be accepted into the program at the regular tuition rates and fees. Individuals who are not awarded the scholarship might check the TEACH grant for funding possibilities.

How am I going to pay for it?

Federal loans and grants are available to all eligible students who complete a FAFSA

Employer tuition reimbursement opportunties

Monthly payments through Trevecca make fulfilling tuition requirements more manageable

​Military benefits such as Yellow Ribbon and GI Bills are accepted by Trevecca University

How do I qualify?

Fill out your FAFSA. Based on your income, you will know how much federal financial aid you are eligible to receive.

Talk to your employer about tuition reimbursement opportunties

For military benefits, contact the Academic Records Office at 1.615.248.1268